Question

The Gupta Period was known for the development of Sanskrit literature. Elaborate.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question should have the following points:

• The plays and poems written by Kalidasa
• Names and compositions of the other playwrights of the period

Solution: Sanskrit literature grew massively during the Gupta period. Kalidasa was a major poet of the time, and is considered to be one of the best playwrights in the world. He was one of the ‘Navaratnas’ present in the court of Chandragupta II, and has written four epic poems and three dramas. Kalidasa is also known as ‘Kavi Kula Guru’, meaning ‘the teacher to the poets’ tribe’. ‘Abhijnana Shankutala’ is one of Kalidasa’s famous dramas.

Shudrakawho wrote ‘Mrichakatika’ and Vishakadutta who wrote ‘Mudraraakshasa’ were a few other famous playwrights of this period. The ‘Panchatantra’ of Vishnusharma also belongs to this period. The dictionary by Amarasimha called ‘Amarakosha’is a popular text, and is still in use.